Page 48 of Her Notorious Rake
“Uncle!”
Dalton pushed back his chair from the table and muttered a goodnight. But then Uncle Ernest said loudly to Celeste, “I hear that Lord Neville means to propose marriage to Miss Hayesworth. They make a handsome couple, don’t they?”
Dalton stiffened but kept walking. Behind him, he could hear Uncle Ernest chuckle under his breath. His blood boiled.
Perhaps it was time to go boxing again. It would relieve some of the pent up energy that made it nigh impossible to sleep.
Instead, he set out on another long walk that ended at Theodore’s place. The two of them shared a drink of coffee, and Dalton told him about his uncle’s statement regarding Neville. “If he does, I ought to resign my advances. Don’t you think?”
Only unless she accepts him. But I do not believe she will.”
The two men retired to the billiard room to begin a game of billiards, and played well into the early hours of the morning until Dalton returned home after another long walk. As soon as he could, he would speak to Gemma, tell her his true feelings about her. And if she turned him down…he would step back, wish her every happiness. But if he did not at least try, he’d never forgive himself.
He knew this, deep in his gut.
Chapter 22
Gemma watched in the mirror as Rose’s deft fingers wove her hair into an intricate arrangement, using heated tongs to twist the strands at her forehead into tumbling curls. A bit of stain on the lips brought out the heightened flush on Gemma’s cheeks, and her stomach was a chaos of butterflies flying this way and that.
The white dress she’d chosen for tonight was perfect for the warmer weather today at the great Neville house for Lady Neville’s soiree. It complemented Gemma’s sunkissed skintone, which although might not be fashionable, suited her hazel eyes well.
Rose stepped back to admire her handiwork, clasping her hands together. “You look lovely, Miss.”
Gemma grinned. “Thank you, Rose.”
“It’s only the truth,” the maid shrugged, laughing.
Gemma could be walking on air. At least, it felt like that as she half-tripped on her rush down the stairs. Even the prospect of spending the evening in Lord Neville’s company did not grate her as it usually did. It didn’t matter. For Lord Blakemore had called, and perhaps he would call again…
Perhaps, he would be in attendance tonight.
The butterflies went mad.
Aunt Philippa surveyed her carefully, before giving a nod of approval. “He won’t be able to take his eyes off of you, surely,” she whispered to Gemma.
Gemma flushed but didn’t let her smile waver.
Rose accompanied Aunt Philippa and her that night, mostly because, as Gemma suspected, Aunt Philippa wished for someone to keep an eye on her. To ensure she didn’t sneak offunchaperoned and risk her reputation.
As they stood in the sparkling foyer of the Neville home, with its family busts and plushly carpeted stairs, Gemma and her aunt were greeted by Lord Neville and his sister.
Neville took in a deep breath when it came time for him to greet Gemma. “Heavens, you look—” his voice faded and he shook his head slightly, eyes dazed.
“I believe my brother istryingto say you are most comely this evening,” Lady Neville laughed behind her fan, leaning towards Gemma conspiratorially.
Gemma dipped in a brusque curtsy, and at last she and Aunt Philippa could pass on into the next room, melt into the crowd. Of course, Lord Neville would find her again, but Gemma wondered if she could get her dance card filled before then. She scanned for Lord Blakemore, but didn’t catch a glimpse of him.
Her heart leapt when she caught sight of his uncle and cousin. But she couldn’t see him. Perhaps he had declined to attend this evening. Her heart sinking, she began to search for Prudence. It would be comforting to have her friend nearby. She would be a heartening presence.
Especially if Lord Blakemore never appeared.
***
Dalton stared out the carriage window as he, his uncle, and cousin rode the short drive to the Neville residence, a block north of them.
“A pity your mother wasn’t up to attend tonight,” Uncle Ernest sighed, shaking his head.
Dalton didn’t deign to respond. His uncle couldn’t care less about Mother’s health. She was more of a burden to him than anything.
